Daniel Heuberger Participates in AIA New York Civic Leadership Program Discussion on Adaptive Reuse

Last week, Dattner Architects Partner Daniel Heuberger participated in a panel discussion for the AIA New York Civic Leadership Program at the Center for Architecture, exploring the opportunities and challenges of adaptive reuse for residential purposes.

The discussion brought together practitioners to examine how adaptive reuse can help address housing needs while preserving existing buildings and reducing environmental impact. Panelists explored topics including the delivery of affordable housing, the influence of zoning, financing, and infrastructure on redevelopment decisions, and the role of community engagement in shaping successful adaptive reuse projects.

Drawing on Dattner Architects’ experience with The Residences at PS 186, Daniel discussed how the adaptive reuse of the historic Harlem public school into 79 permanently affordable homes and a new Boys & Girls Club illustrates the potential of existing buildings to serve evolving community needs. The conversation highlighted how preserving embodied carbon, retaining neighborhood character, and investing in community-centered design can create lasting social and environmental value.

Hosted by the AIA New York Civic Leadership Program, the event encouraged emerging civic leaders to consider the complex relationship between architecture, policy, planning, and public engagement in shaping more equitable and resilient cities.

At Dattner Architects, adaptive reuse remains an important part of our practice, reflecting our commitment to designing sustainable, community-focused places that build on the strengths of the existing built environment.